Writing For Sex Markets
Many professional freelancers will go their entire career without ever once writing a story about sex. Oh, they may craft a racy scene or two in the course of writing the next Great American Novel, or they might someday write an article about the latest in sexual research, but that's about as far as many writers will ever take the concept.
Then there are those freelancers who, for a variety of different reasons, have actually chosen to write (and publish) in the sex genre. Societal notions of perversity aside, these writers are of the same ilk as those who write about horses or gardening or education, it's just that their subject matter is often more controversial. Still, the act of writing as a profession is the same no matter what the genre, although sex writing does require more of an open mind and is not, as a rule, for the more prudish among us.
But the basics - a bit of skill, a professional attitude, plenty of perseverance and a whole lot of research - are the same as for any genre.
Sex markets offer great opportunities for writers at all different levels of experience. For the fledgling writer there are many digest magazines that buy a lot of fairly well-written (but rather formulaic) stories. The pay for these pieces is, of course, lower than for other, higher-quality, markets but they do give the beginner a chance to earn money while honing his or her craft.
On the higher end of the scale are markets that demand excellence in plot structure and characterization. These magazines usually pay fairly well and are for writers who are experienced at more advanced techniques like dialogue, subtle humor and deftly nuanced characters.
In addition, the sub-classifications of the genre - letters, articles, stories and personal accounts - offer plenty of wiggle room when it comes to a writer's ability and/or experience. Letters and essays are more of a train-of-thought process, and thus much easier for the beginner to write (and sell) than full-length stories or non-fiction.
This means that in sex markets, as in no other genre, a writer really can earn as she learns, starting at the lower paying markets and working her way up to the higher paying (and higher quality) fiction and non-fiction articles.
But don't make the mistake of thinking that, because the level of "quality" varies, you can be more lax in presentation and attitude when submitting to sex markets. Most of these editors appreciate professionalism just as much as their mainstream counterparts. Writers wanting to break into this market need to make sure that manuscripts are presented professionally and that phone calls (or emails) are returned promptly.
There are, however, some markets that operate in a more "casual" fashion. While this can occasionally work in your favor - a query for an article, for example, can be as simple as a one-sentence email - it can also be frustrating. You'll have to get used to the idea that not all of your submissions, queries and requests for guidelines will be acknowledged. Perseverance, so useful when writing in any genre, is even more of a requirement when writing for sex markets.
Another requirement is an exhaustive knowledge of your market and your audience. Sex markets tend to be even more specialized than mainstream markets; each magazine often targets a very specific personality as well as predilection. What this means is that in order to sell you have to do your research; you'll need to study the magazine cover to cover and yes, that means the pictures, too. (Of course, some sex writers look at that as a perk of their profession rather than a hardship, but that's another story.) It's also imperative to request guidelines when possible because sex markets often are very specific as to style, point of view and word count; it's important that you know exactly what they're looking for before you submit.
Of course, the most important requirement when it comes to sex writing is that you enjoy doing it. It's an excellent choice for those writers who relish a challenge as well as those who enjoy stretching their imagination. Yes, it's a job, as is writing for mainstream markets, and it requires the utmost in professionalism and commitment.
But writing about sex is also a whole lot of fun. Getting paid to do it, well, that's even better.
--
You are free to reprint this article on your website or in your e-zine, hardcopy newsletter or other publication, provided the following rules are met:
About The Author
Katy Terrega edits a free newsletter for sex writers - http://www.katyterrega.com/newsletter.html - as well as a paid subscriber site for same, Sex-Writer.com - http://www.sex-writer.com. Both feature articles, market listings, reviews, calls for submission and more, all geared toward fledgling as well as professional sex-writers. She is also a successful sex writer and her credits include Gallery, Swank, Playgirl, Penthouse Forum and many others.
 Google News Updated : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:55:47 GMT Republican Party ad assails Obama on energy - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - TITLE: "Balance." LENGTH: 30 seconds. AIRING: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. SCRIPT: Announcer: "Record gas prices. For Republicans, the Senate outlook is bad How Bush Ratings Complicate Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:00:58 GMT Export Tax That Angers Farmers Advances in Argentina - New York Times
New York Times - By ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO RIO DE JANEIRO - After a marathon session that lasted through the night, Argentina’s lower house of Congress on Saturday narrowly approved agricultural export tax increases that the government imposed four months ago. Argentine Lower House Passes Grain Export-Tax Plan (Update3) Argentina lawmakers approve farm export tax hike Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:36:35 GMT Muscle strain to sideline Gay for two weeks - Washington Post
Washington Post - EUGENE, Oregon (Reuters) - World 200 meters champion Tyson Gay has a mild muscle strain in his left leg and will be unable to train at full strength for up to two weeks, his management company said on Sunday. Gay diagnosed with mild leg strain Defending World Champion Is Injured During Trials Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:46:37 GMT AT&T's Odd iPhone Offer - TechNewsWorld
TechNewsWorld - By Eric Benderoff Some of the details surrounding AT&T's iPhone prices make little sense, writes Eric Benderoff. The company will sell a 3G iPhone with no contract for a $400 premium. iPhone 3G line forms in NYC for a green cause Where the iPhone Failed Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:04:21 GMT Alex Rodriguez’s Wife Left Him Over Alleged Affair with Madonna - People Magazine People Magazine - After putting up with years of flirtations with other women, Alex Rodriguez's wife Cynthia finally left the Yankee star over his rumored affair with Madonna and his newfound interest in Kabbalah, according to sources close to the situation. Madonna's other Guy is link between A-Rod, Lenny Kravitz Trainer: A-Rod 'brainwashed' by Madonna Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:45:54 GMT Renault chief expects car industry consolidation - International Herald Tribune
International Herald Tribune - AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France: A slump in the global automotive sector could give impetus to plans for consolidation within the industry, according to the head of the French carmaker Renault. Renault CEO sees 'difficult' return from summer holidays for ... Renault's Ghosn Sees Carmaker Consolidation as Stocks Decline Publ.Date : Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:00:44 GMT Google trying to take privacy seriously - ZDNet
ZDNet - This week was a very interesting week as far as Google and privacy goes. First, a burglary (the same on that affected CNET earlier last month) was confirmed to have affected all Google employees hired before December 31, 2005. Court order on YouTube user data fans privacy fears • YouTube Ordered To Release User Data Publ.Date : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:49:42 GMT Increase Search Engine Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Most people with an online presence will have to regularly... Read More Question: If you were starting out and had no references... Read More Every salesperson and fledgling copywriter hears the harangue: DON'T SELL... Read More Looking for inspiration for your next marketing communication? Try the... Read More Everyday when I read promotional emails and advertisements, or listen... Read More We all know words are powerful. Whether written or spoken,... Read More Last quarter I talked about interviewing / gathering data. So... Read More One statistic shows that over 80% of all buying decisions... Read More When you are beginning to write, you gather as much... Read More Yes indeed, that's all you've got, 30 seconds to make... Read More I have read thousands of ad copies online and offline... Read More It doesn't matter if you're writing an article, a newspaper... Read More Personalizing your headlines to your target audience can significantly improve... Read More Professional copywriters are well-familiar with what's commonly referred to as... Read More As you know, I'm constantly making the point that the... Read More Lately, I've been getting emails from other copywriters who ask... Read More Many of the solo professionals whom I coach are people... Read More Thinking of hiring a staff writer? Think again. Below, I... Read More Content is king. Without content your website is an empty... Read More Is it out there? The chance to be a freelance... Read More Many people feel uncertain when dealing with copywriters. Like any... Read More Ask yourself these questions:Are you an experienced writer?Do you want... Read More WHAT'S THEIR PROBLEM?How do you begin a dialogue with a... Read More Have you seen those copywriting gurus, working it on the... Read More Subhead..How to bundle for valuable results without devaluing your productI... Read More
Adsense
websites
Your Article Headlines will Make or Break Your Business
No-Holds-Barred Conversation with Dan Lok - Part 1
How to Build Benefits from Features Fast and Easy with the Solution Approach
A Copywriting Lesson from Dr. Seuss
The Truth About Negative Commands (Dont Read This!)
Magic Words That Sell and What Words to Avoid
Organizing Your Data to Write Better Copy
Copywriting Makeover: Making An Emotional Connection - Part 1 of 2
Cleaning Up Your Copy
Sticky Homepage Copy in 30 Seconds
42 Deadly Ad Copy Sins That Ive Made
How To Write Headlines That Grab Your Prospects Attention
How To Personalize Your Headlines For Increased Profits!
Copywriting Tricks: Nailing the Voice
Four Things Every Web Site Headline Must Do
Copywriting: Secrets of a Freelancer
13 Steps to a Slippery Slope Online Sales Letter
8 Reasons to Outsource Your Copywriting
3 Tips For Writing Content That Will Make You Sales
Can You Become a Freelance Copywriter in Los Angeles?
How to Make the Most of Your Website Copywriter
Real Estate Professionals Need You to Write for Them!
Finding Your Clients Business Problem Leads to Better Copy
The Secret to Web Copywriting Gurudom
Buy My Book for $27 and Ill Give You Bonuses Worth a Gazillion Dollars!
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
How To Write Headlines That Grab Your Prospects Attention
It doesn't matter if you're writing an article, a newspaper... Read More
42 Deadly Ad Copy Sins That Ive Made
I have read thousands of ad copies online and offline... Read More
Copywriting and Your Five Senses
In its most basic form, copywriting is, among other things,... Read More
The Write Way To Grow Your Business
Hone your writing skills to project a more professional business... Read More
Making a Living as a Copywriter; Freelancing Versus Agency
So You Want To be A Copywriter?Wannabe copywriters often check... Read More
Stop Chasing Away Customers! Bad Copy is Your Worst Enemy
Every day, more and more of us begin new online... Read More
10 Things You Should Expect From Your IT Copywriter
Anyone who's ever tried marketing IT products or... Read More
3 Tips For Writing Better Headlines
The single most important element of your website's copy is... Read More
Tomorrow?s Clichés Today
I went to Google and entered a couple of different... Read More
10 Tips for Writing Effective Web Copy
On the Internet programmers and designers rule, not the writer.... Read More
Copyright, Copyrighting, and Online Copyright Abuse - Save Yourself the Headache by Reading This!
Lets start with copyright infringement.It is easily explained as copying... Read More
Revealed: The $12,500 Copywriting Formula
Have you heard of Brian Keith Voiles? Probably not, but... Read More
The Five Rules Of Influential Web Writing
Building a professional reputation requires a campaign founded on your... Read More
Art Of Writing Profitable Classified Ads
The art of writing profitable classified adsEverybody wants to make... Read More
Creative Copywriting?
There is a difference between creative writing and copywriting. It... Read More
Step One for Copywriters: Understand WHAT to Say
Find a passage of poorly written copy, and chances are... Read More
Organizing Your Data to Write Better Copy
Last quarter I talked about interviewing / gathering data. So... Read More
Five Tips for Writing Eyeball-Grabbing Headlines
If you made it this far, the headline for this... Read More
Headlines That Pull, Persuade and Propel!
When writing direct response copy, there are a few things... Read More
How To Personalize Your Headlines For Increased Profits!
Personalizing your headlines to your target audience can significantly improve... Read More
Power Keys To Writing Power-Packed Marketing Copy
In order to maximize your sales efforts and fully seize... Read More
Hey, Client, This Is Me! Sell With Your Writing Voice
In a crowded market, clients will be seeking personality as... Read More
How To Write Direct Mail That Really, Really Works!
So, you have something you want to sell. It may... Read More
Some Important Tips On Proposals And Price
Here's a critically important copywriting technique I use when writing... Read More
10 Things You Should Expect From Your Website Copywriter
As websites and electronic commerce are becoming more and more... Read More
Copywriting |